Centre County Babywearers

Today is the last day of IBW! Babywearing has......babywearing will!

We know that the closing of BWI was sudden and unexpected (it was for us too!), and all theses changes in group structure will take time to get used to. Our peer to peer support meeting on Monday was a dud, unfortunately.

We'd really like to hear from you......what would you like to see from Centre County Babywearers in the future? Are you okay with a primarily online entity or would you still like to see in person meet ups? What type of content are you interested in reading? Interested in play dates and night outs? Anything! Let us know!

*I will be putting all the entries (from both the page and Facebook Group) for the Tula Explore in a hat today and pulling a winner. I have a busy morning with my 3 year old, so I expect it won't happen until afternoon nap time. Thanks to all who participated. I loved seeing all your creative photos! And a big thanks to Baby Tula for sending us one to giveaway!*

The IBW theme in 2012 was Carrying On Traditions.

Today we celebrate the history and traditions of babywearing. Many people come from cultures where babywearing has been a part of their lives for generations. Some newer wearers are even coming from newer generations of parents that also wore them.

Share your photos/stories of the first time you wore your baby and who you learned it from. If you have photos of your parents wearing you, please share!

The IBW theme in 2011 was A World of Possibilities. Let's briefly discuss the different types of carriers available and share our favorites!

A Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) is probably the most popular and user friendly. Simply click the waist buckle and shoulder straps and you're good to go! Framed hiking carriers would also fit in this category, although not necessarily soft structured.

A Meh Dai is a type of carrier that originated in Asia and is sometimes referred to as Bei Dai, depending on region. They are a rectangular panel with 2 sets of straps, 1 for the waist and 1 for the shoulders. Tie your double knots and you're off! An Onbuhimo (a primarily back carrier without a waist belt) and a Podaegi (a Korean carrier) are also in this category.

Ring Slings are a length of fabric with 2 rings sewn on one end. The fabric threaded through the rings creates a pouch for baby to sit. Very adjustable and an easy on/off!

Pouches are similar to rings slings but do not have rings. The same pouch is created, but the fabric is sewn together in a loop. An easy, compact carrier, but sizing is important!

A Stretchy Wrap is a length of stretchy fabric that is tied around the user and baby. A slightly higher learning curve, but so comfortable for the 4th trimester!

Stretch Loop Carriers are those that mimic a stretchy wrap, but without the length. For example, a Baby K'tan is a stretch loop carrier. Many people find these easier than stretchy wraps, but sizing is important!

Skin to Skin Shirts are specifically meant for skin to skin time with a newborn. They aren't necessarily a "carrier" but they serve a similar purpose of keeping your baby close.

A woven wrap is a length of woven fabric. They come in many sizes and fabric blends. The most versatile carrier, but with a larger learning curve. There are many ways to wrap and tie them; the possibilities are endless!

What is your favorite carrier type OR what is a carrier type that you've been wanting to try?

The IBW theme in 2010 was Safe Babywearing, Enjoy the Benefits. Let's chat about all the benefits of babywearing!

How has babywearing directly benefited you or your children? Share your stories or your photos in this thread letting us know your favorite babywearing benefits!

Babywearing keeps us close and connected to our little ones. What activities are you able to get done and enjoy together while wearing?

Use the scavenger hunt prompts to explore the community and stay close enough to kiss! Each new photo (1 for each prompt only please) gives you an entry to win a brand new Tula Explore.

Please post your entries in this thread only. Entries are due by midnight on October 9th and a winner will be drawn on October 10th. The winner must make arrangements to pick up the carrier in person by October 31st or a new winner will be drawn.

Group admins can participate but are not eligible to win.

Good morning and happy International Babywearing Week! This years theme is "Babywearing has......a Decade of IBW." So for the next 10 days we'll be taking a look at the past 10 years, reflecting on the themes chosen, learning about babywearing history, and planning for the future.

The theme from 2008 was Celebrate! Show or tell us what celebrations you’ve been able to attend (a party, a wedding, etc?) with the help of babywearing or what babywearing celebrations you’ve accomplished (a successful transfer or your first back carry, etc?). Whatever it is, celebrate with us, celebrate with each other and celebrate what babywearing has done for you!

Comment here or join our celebration in our closed facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/centrecountybabywearers

Feel free to use any of the following hashtags today:

Dear Members,

By now you may have seen the communication from Babywearing International, Inc indicating that the national organization is filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and will cease to support chapters and their operations as of August 31, 2018. Our Board of Directors is in active discussion about what this means for us as an organization, and we ask that everyone be patient while we figure out what steps we need to take and put a plan in place. We have an amazing group of dedicated volunteers that will continue to answer your questions and provide education through this transitional period. All of us are committed to continuing to provide support for babywearers in our community!

Thank you for your patience and support!

Lending Library Spotlight: Lil Peepers Keepers linen ring sling in morning violet

Summer is still here and it’s still hot!
Come and try on one of our linen ring slings. Linen is one of the coolest fabric choices to keep you and baby cool and we have many colors and patterns to choose from. This periwinkle (morning violet) sling is by Lil Peepers Keepers. Ring slings are easy and quick to get baby in and out of and can be used for any age including newborn.

Come try on this carrier or one of the many other linen ring slings we have at our bimonthly meetings!

[Image is a collage of pictures of a woman in a white dress wearing a baby in a periwinkle ring sling outside with trees and bushes in the background.]

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: Monday July 9th, The parking lot is under construction and there are limited spaces. Try parking up the hill and walking down the steps!